The Eternal Way-Chapter 223 - 222: Finalizing the Journey

Indeed, Luo Fu Niangniang was actually Dao companions with the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron...

It made sense.

Mount Luofu was one of the Ten Great Grotto Heavens of the Daoist sect, yet Luo Fu Niangniang was merely at the third rank and had no qualifications to bear such a title.

What truly supported Mount Luofu was the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Moreover, the path of the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron wasn't severed; it still harbored hopes of ascending to the first rank, albeit this hope was but a faint glimmer.

Of course, reaching this stage, every half-step forward was a matter of life or death. This thread of hope already surpassed nearly ninety percent of those at the second rank.

And his opportunity for ascension lay in the Sun and Moon Path.

The movements of Taiyin and Taiyang in the sky followed their own paths, and this path was the great opportunity for the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron.

However, the Sun and Moon Path could not be tread upon by humans.

After others calculated the great opportunity of the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron, it took only a quarter of an hour for a powerful being to strike, annihilating Mount Luofu.

Both the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron and Luo Fu Niangniang were severely injured. Luo Fu Niangniang's Spiritual Essence was protected within the cauldron, and the will of the cauldron was almost completely extinguished, but it did not die.

To thoroughly eliminate someone at the second rank was not that simple.

Before its will was entirely worn down, it voluntarily fell into slumber, using its Dharmic treasure form to protect Luo Fu Niangniang, making it difficult for external forces to invade.

To awaken it, they needed to resonate with the Chenji Golden Elixir Method to rouse Luo Fu within the cauldron.

Following that, Luo Fu would have a way to activate the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Hearing this, Li Qi frowned, "How did the Tang Dynasty find out about this? Moreover, if it's really like this, why don't we wake him up now?"

"Now, we should immediately head to Wu Deity Mountain. No, we don't even need to go ourselves. Yang Ning, along with the other surviving members of Mount Luofu, should be able to do it!"

Li Qi couldn't understand. If it was because of this, shouldn't Wu Deity Mountain have been able to awaken them long ago?

Why delay until now?

However, Yun Fang shook his head and explained, "Things aren't so simple. Do you think that Luo Fu and the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron must definitely stand on our side?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qi immediately grasped the crux of the matter.

He was always a clever person and didn't need much explanation. With just a simple sentence, he instantly visualized the entire scenario in his mind.

The Tang Dynasty did not want the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron to awaken...

Did Wu Deity Mountain wish for it?

Wu Deity Mountain's current plan was likely to spend some time gradually accumulating favors and other things until Luo Fu Niangniang owed a significant debt, both materially and emotionally.

Until she had no choice but to repay it, binding herself completely to Wu Deity Mountain.

This might seem somewhat unscrupulous, but in essence, it was 'repaying kindness with enmity'.

Li Qi suddenly realized that Shen Shuibei being by his side... Could it also be part of this plan?

But this was outside the scope of the plan and required some time.

Before this, there was an understanding between Wu Deity Mountain and the Tang Dynasty that neither side would awaken the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron, letting it remain asleep.

In this way, under mutual understanding, the contest over the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron could be settled at the negotiating table.

Matters concerning two of the world's top powers must be resolved at the negotiating table.

Everyone could perhaps employ some tactics outside the plan, but regardless of the methods used, the ultimate goal was to resolve matters at the negotiating table.

If someone overturned the table, it wouldn't just be about the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron anymore.

It would lead to a direct confrontation between Wu Deity Mountain and the Tang Dynasty.

That would undoubtedly be a calamity unbearable for both sides unless one chose to retreat voluntarily.

But if things reached that point, could retreat even happen?

Impossible.

Therefore, matters must be resolved at the negotiating table. It was necessary.

Originally, both sides were very much in agreement.

It was akin to facing a controversial matter where everyone promised, "You don't move, I won't move, let's discuss before acting."

Even, reaching this agreement likely involved more than just Wu Deity Mountain and the Tang Dynasty.

As far as Li Qi knew, during the initial contention over Luo Fu Niangniang and the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron, the Demon Clan was also involved... Those two demon kings mentioned that the Great Sages had given orders...

After everyone reached an agreement, suddenly, a young master from Wu Deity Mountain directly obtained the Chenji Golden Elixir Method.

What would everyone think?

Was it unintentional?

Alright, maybe it was unintentional, but who would believe it?

The Sun and Moon Path was too significant. No one would believe it, and some might deliberately choose not to believe it, wanting a fight.

The problem lay here.

Li Qi inadvertently disrupted the delicate balance of mutual understanding among various powers.

Now, the solution was straightforward: erase Li Qi's memories or simply kill him to prove Wu Deity Mountain's innocence, showing it was purely accidental.

If he were an ordinary person, this might be how it was handled.

But Li Qi was a direct descendant of Wu Deity Mountain. To calm outsiders' concerns, killing one's own child would make the rest of the family think what?

So Li Qi couldn't be killed.

What about erasing his memories?

That was a joke. Erasing his memories would directly cut off Li Qi's Dao path.

Erasing memories leaves indelible scars on one's Spiritual Essence. For low-level cultivators, it has little impact, but when aspiring to become a Great Shaman in the future, it would be akin to cutting oneself off prematurely, making the difficulty increase by a thousand or ten thousand times.

This was the source of the previous conflict.

The Tang Dynasty sent people to discuss with Wu Deity Mountain.

However, upon discovering Li Qi's existence, they immediately abandoned negotiations and prepared to eliminate the potential threat directly.

Thus, Zhu Fengdan flew into a rage and killed these representatives from the Tang Dynasty.

Li Qi now understood why Yun Fang had a bitter smile.

Zhu Fengdan, to protect Li Qi, killed two third-rank officials from the Tang Dynasty.

This was almost tantamount to declaring war on both sides.

His teacher was truly... reckless.

Li Qi's mind raced through numerous thoughts. Thinking about the implications behind everything made him break out in a cold sweat.

Even he didn't know what to do for a moment.

The conflict had been thoroughly ignited.

Everyone suspected that Wu Deity Mountain did not adhere to the rules; instead of proving their innocence, they killed the Tang Dynasty representatives who came to negotiate.

Though the Tang Dynasty struck first...

It couldn't clear their name anymore.

What should they do?

The most critical issue was his teacher, who had so casually eliminated two third-rank officials from the Tang Dynasty. How would this be handled afterward?

He and his teacher seemed to have caused significant trouble for Wu Deity Mountain.

Even Shen Shuibei was stunned.

Upon hearing Yun Fang's words, even though she wasn't adept at social graces, she could sense the underlying meaning.

Wu Deity Mountain wasn't Luo Fu Niangniang's backer.

After awakening, which side Luo Fu Niangniang would align with was still uncertain.

Multiple forces were eyeing the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron, and the key to awakening it lay with her.

Shen Shuibei instantly realized what she had done.

But since Niangniang was still in slumber, it was impossible for her to take sides.

By giving Li Qi the Chenji Golden Elixir Method... she was essentially helping Niangniang choose sides.

She hadn't known this matter involved so much.

Why hadn't anyone told her?

Even if the people from Wu Deity Mountain didn't tell her, what about Yang Ning?

What exactly was going on?

Such a significant matter wouldn't be forgotten; there must be a reason behind it!

Thinking this, Shen Shuibei immediately said, "This matter is far from simple, Great Shaman please..."

Before she finished, Zhu Fengdan rolled her eyes: "Nonsense, I naturally know it's not simple. We will definitely investigate further, but that doesn't hinder us from taking action now."

Shen Shuibei, hearing this, could only lower her head and softly ask, "Then... what does the Great Shaman plan to do?"

Zhu Fengdan nodded: "Easy enough. They don't trust us? I have a way to make them trust us, but it requires your cooperation, disciple."

Yun Fang was surprised: "Wait, what method do you have? Why didn't you tell me? Didn't you consult me?"

But Zhu Fengdan ignored the elder and directly addressed Li Qi: "How about going to the Tang Dynasty? There's a place for you in the Imperial Academy. Take your rabbit and study there for a few years. Once things settle down, everything will resolve itself. No one can kill you, nor dare erase your memory."

"They don't trust us? By voluntarily going to Chang'an, you'll reassure everyone. With the Tang Dynasty's nature, they won't harm you in the slightest. Those who claim to be kings have such integrity, and studying at the Imperial Academy suits you perfectly," Zhu Fengdan smiled at Li Qi.

Admittedly, the suggestion made Li Qi's heart race.

To go... to the Tang Dynasty's Imperial Academy.

Undeniably, it was an excellent choice.

Firstly, it would calm many factions. By going to the Tang Dynasty with Shen Shuibei and the Chenji Golden Elixir Method, everyone would know it hadn't leaked out, ensuring no external transmission within the Tang Dynasty's borders. This reassured everyone that Wu Deity Mountain hadn't acted rashly toward the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Secondly, while it felt like becoming a hostage... it was precisely what Li Qi desired.

At the beginning of his cultivation journey, what he saw was the gathering of myriad energies, surging towards the sky.

Since then, witnessing other Dao paths in this boundless world became a major motivation for his cultivation.

And now, what better opportunity could there be?

But Yun Fang was worried: "No, it's too risky. Do you really trust those people from the Tang Dynasty? If they harbor ill intentions, there'd be no saving him."

Zhu Fengdan nodded: "Of course, that's why I'll have the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy send a formal invitation for Li Qi to attend, through proper channels, under everyone's watchful eyes, sending him to Chang'an as an 'exchange student'."

"Although it's mainly to reassure others, he will actually serve as our envoy to the Tang Dynasty. Old Yun, don't forget, you're a Zongren, while Li Qi is a Zhuren."

"Communicating and forming alliances are responsibilities of Zhuren. This is also an opportunity for him. The Tang Dynasty wouldn't harm another nation's envoy, allowing Li Qi to bear Wu Deity Mountain's mission."

In ancient times, forming alliances between nations required Zhuren as neutral supervisors.

Completing alliances was also part of a Zhuren's duties.

So during the pre-unification period of Central Plains, the strongest nations typically appointed Zhuren to form alliances, positioning themselves as 'hegemon'.

Central Plains once produced five such hegemonic figures, known as the Five Hegemons.

"In this way, spending a few years studying and serving as an envoy, we can uncover any hidden issues and resolve matters."

Yun Fang was anxious: "But don't forget, you just killed their people! Sending your disciple to the Tang Dynasty now would surely provoke targeted attacks, possibly leading to fatal consequences. If publicly humiliated, it could damage his Dao heart..."

Zhu Fengdan dismissed his concerns: "Disciple, are you afraid?"

Li Qi immediately stood up and bowed: "Meet force with strength, meet water with earth, that's all."

Zhu Fengdan clapped her hands and stood up: "See, someone at the ninth rank dares to challenge someone at the seventh rank, accepts missions, and goes to foreign lands—how could he be afraid? My disciple isn't someone who hesitates or acts timidly."

She declared grandly: "It's merely the Tang Dynasty's Imperial Academy, how could he not go!?"

"He's only eighth rank today!" Yun Fang wanted to say more.

Zhu Fengdan irritably replied: "Enough chatter. He's not alone. I'll report to the Wu Deity and mobilize personnel to form an embassy delegation with him as the leader, never tarnishing Wu Deity Mountain's reputation!"

With these words, Yun Fang was momentarily speechless and sighed, unable to refute.

Zhu Fengdan always acted recklessly, leaving them helpless.

Regardless, without consulting others, Zhu Fengdan decided everything.

As usual, after settling matters, she left without even saying goodbye.

Nicely put, it was decisiveness.

Harshly put, it was leaving abruptly...

Li Qi was also helpless.

But at least, his teacher still cared about him.

However, while his teacher left, another Great Shaman stayed.

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According to his teacher, this person was a 'Zongren'?

Among Shamans and Diviners, there were countless lineages, including official diviners, witchcraft shamans, ghost shamans, etc.

But only three lineages were considered orthodox Shamans and Diviners.

Zhuren, Bo Yue, Zongren.

Zongren managed state rituals.

Zhuren usually had radiant appearances, responsible for traveling and communicating, primarily handling communication and witnessing.

Bo Yue mostly handled domestic affairs, generally acting as spiritual advisors, staying home to silently strategize, using divination and wisdom to assist others.

Zongren dealt with specific tasks, implementing various measures and allocating resources, essentially holding power and executing practical matters.

Zhuren handled external affairs, Zongren internal ones, while Bo Yue served as intellectual consultants assisting both sides.

That was roughly the division of labor.

Facing this remaining Great Shaman, Li Qi showed extreme respect, pulling Shen Shuibei up: "Is there anything else we can assist you with, Senior?"

Since the senior remained, there must be something else needing attention. Proper phrasing was crucial.

Asking why they stayed might provoke anger.

Asking if they needed help showed sincerity.

Hearing Li Qi's question, Yun Fang didn't respond but observed their posture.

Upright and dignified, with extraordinary abilities, caring for the people, yet not rigid, showing endearing cleverness.

Having such cleverness and passion was characteristic of youth...

A good child indeed.

With just a glance, he displayed the common benevolence of an elder: "No need for formalities, sit and talk."

"By the way, what's your relationship? Willing to exchange a third-rank secret record and cultivation method indicates great trust, right?"